The McKinney-Vento Act authorizes the State Board of Education to make grants to local education agencies for the purposes of facilitating the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youth in school. Enclosed is the 2008-2011 proposal package to be used when school divisions apply for competitive funding under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001 (Title X, Part C of the No Child LeftBehind Act). With the increased responsibilities to serve students experiencing homelessness under the No Child LeftBehind (NCLB) Act, school divisions that have not submitted a proposal in the past may wish to consider this funding opportunity. Programs will be approved for the three-year grant period; however, funds will be allocated on a yearly basis contingent on evaluation and continued funding at the federal level.

It is anticipated that funding for Virginia in 2008-2009 will be approximately $1,000,000, with awards for 25 to 30 proposals ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per year. Multi-division or regional proposals are encouraged. Only one proposal is necessary for the three-year grant period. (Adjustments during the grant period may be needed pending reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.) Grant awards are provided for direct services to ensure the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, based on documented need and quality of the proposed program.

Dr. Patricia A. Popp, at The College of William and Mary, is the

state coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. Questions regarding the grant or the application process should be referred to Dr. Popp, at (757) 221-7776 or via e-mail at homlss@wm.edu. Local school divisions that wish to compete for funds should return a completed application proposal following the format outlined in the attached Proposal Packet.